From the Back Pages, August 7: Louis van Gaal will be shocked by intensity of Premier League, insists Brendan Rodgers

From the back pages

Published:23:11Wednesday 06 August 2014

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Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, has questioned Louis van Gaal’s ability to cope with the demands of the Premier League and believes the new Manchester United manager will struggle to win the title in his first season in English football. (The Independent)

Daniel Agger has had a tearful heart-to-heart with Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and asked to leave the club, writes Darren Lewis. (The Mirror)

Manchester United are prepared to stump up £15million to beat Barcelona to the signature of Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen. (Daily Mail)

Celtic’s brief stay in Edinburgh came to an end last night, not with a bang but a whimper. Then again, any show attracting reviews as bad as Celtic have had in the last week would be lucky to survive any longer at the Festival and this performance has left them on the fringes of European football. (The Guardian)

Howard Webb called time on his 25-year refereeing career on Wednesday after deciding to retire following his final World Cup as a match official. (The Telegraph)

CHELSEA legend Frank Lampard has pulled on Manchester City colours for the first time. (The Express)

Alastair Cook, the England captain, has given James Anderson licence to continue with his aggressive approach when the fourth Test against India begins at Emirates Old Trafford. (The Times)